COMPARED WITH THOSE OF PERU, &C. 287 



which are all faded in those of the other climates. 

 The average temperature in summer (Decem- 

 ber, January, and February) is about 84^ 

 85^ was the average during my stay from 

 the 5th till the 29th of January. Even this tem- 

 perature is rendered pleasant by the refresh- 

 ing breezes from the sea and Pampas. Now 

 and then, when a few days of oppressive 

 heat hangs about the place, it will be swept 

 away by a violent pampero or pampas wind, 

 which drives along the plain from the SW. with 

 amazing fury, sweeping clouds of sand and dust 

 before it, accompanied with heavy rain, thunder 

 and lightning. During my stay, two of these 

 winds occurred. They were first announced by 

 black gathering clouds, accompanied with slight 

 whirlwinds, blowing the dust about in all direc- 

 tions, which was the signal for all windows and 

 shops to be closed; presently after, it came 

 rolling into the town with great fury, darkening 

 the face of the earth; and sweeping out to sea, 

 the sand is sometimes blown on board of ships 

 lying in the outer roads, a distance of seven or 



